Russian intelligence agencies have intensified efforts to acquire Western technology and defense secrets as international sanctions strain the country's wartime economy, according to three senior European intelligence officials.

Moscow's operatives are establishing fake companies, recruiting intermediaries, and deploying cyber specialists to gather information that could be used for military purposes or infrastructure attacks. Sweden's Security Service reports Russia is targeting the country's defense industry and advanced research, including technology related to the Gripen fighter jet, along with camera and laser systems that could be integrated into weapons.

Finland's Security and Intelligence Service director Juha Martelius said Russia seeks space technology, quantum research, and arctic and marine technology to maintain military competitiveness. The country also needs sanctioned computer technology and software updates for machine tools. In May, Swedish police arrested two individuals for allegedly violating sanctions related to a Turkish company that shipped metalworking equipment to Russia.

Russian cyberattacks against European infrastructure have escalated, with officials citing an attempted attack on a Swedish power plant last year. Intelligence officials say Russia appears less concerned about attribution for these operations, indicating a shift toward more aggressive tactics despite risks of exposure.

Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service chief Kaupo Rosin said Russia's economy "is not doing well at all," with approximately one-third of GDP devoted to the war effort. Russian officials had planned a budget deficit of 3.7 trillion rubles for 2026 but reached 3.4 trillion rubles by February's end. While recent oil price increases from Middle East conflicts have provided revenue, Rosin suggested Russia could face financial crisis by year's end if Western pressure continues.

Intelligence reports indicate a shift in Russian officials' outlook over recent months, with previous narratives of "total victory" in Ukraine diminishing. British intelligence director Anne Keast-Butler stated nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the 2022 invasion, though casualty figures remain largely classified by both sides.